Anti-Bird Spikes On Trees In Bristol Has Led To The Residents' Reasonable Rage

One of the wealthiest suburbs in Bristol, UK, has apparently caused an uproar by fixing bird spikes to a tree.

That, according to a resident, is to prevent birds from pooping on expensive cars, ruining their paint, a move called a “war on wildlife”.

The spikes were initially installed on Pembroke Road in Clifton by the Hillcrest Estate Management of the Bartlett Court flats in 2014, to protect the vehicles of the “prestigious development” from roosting pigeons.

The installation is now generating traction after Bristol resident Jennifer Garrett shared a picture on Twitter. At the time of writing, it has racked up nearly 6,000 retweets.

“I’m aware that the landowner might be legally within their rights to do this to the trees as they seem to be on private land,” local Green party councilor Paula O’Rourke told The Guardian.

“However, I will be looking into this at the council. Whether allowed or not though, it looks awful, and it’s a shame to see trees being literally made uninhabitable to birds – presumably for the sake of car parking. Sometimes it’s too easy to lose sight of the benefit that we all gain from trees and green spaces and from the presence of wildlife around us in the city”, he added.

The flats are not far from the wildlife-rich Avon Gorge, home to endangered peregrine falcons, that returned to the region after being chased away by human activities in the 1930s. They feed mostly on other birds – including pigeons.

According to residents, who didn't wish to be named, other deterrents to keep not only pigeons but also squirrels out of the trees didn't work. Fake birds of prey and noise deterrents were tried – and there are no car-washing facilities, a resident told the BBC.

Another told The Guardian, “the spikes are solely to protect the cars [parked under the trees]. There is a big problem with bird droppings around here. They can really make a mess of cars, and for some reason, the birds do seem to congregate around this area.”

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds recommends bird spikes as a harmless and humane bird deterrent in urban situations. However, a spokesperson spoke out against this particular application.

“The recent State of Nature report highlights that more than half of all wildlife in the UK has declined over the past 40 years,” said the RSPB’s Jeff Knot.

“Instead of looking at ways we can force nature into an ever smaller space, we should look at how we can live alongside wildlife and help give it a home in our villages, towns, and cities.”

Bristol Council also said that the trees are on private property. Therefore they aren't subject to a tree protection order, so there was nothing the council could do.